LAW & POLICY DEVELOPMENT
Creating Workplace Policy Frameworks for First Nations & Indigenous Organizations
At Okimaw Community and HR Solutions, we specialize in helping First Nations and Indigenous organizations build workplace policy frameworks that are grounded in culture, aligned with strategy, and responsive to community realities.
OUR SERVICES:
Our approach is holistic and culturally respectful—blending traditional governance systems with modern organizational practices to create policies that are both effective and meaningful. We recognize that every Nation and organization has its own values, ways of knowing, and goals, and our process is designed to honour and reflect those throughout every step of policy development.
Framework Co-creation
We begin by understanding the cultural, historical, market, and service context of the organization. Before drafting a single policy, we seek clarity on the organization’s purpose, its strategic direction, and its prevailing cultural mindset. This ensures that the policies we help develop are not only functional but also consistent with community values and long-term goals. We do not impose corporate templates or one-size-fits-all models. Instead, we co-create frameworks that reflect the distinct identity and aspirations of each Nation.
Organizational Hierarchy of Needs©
Our methodology is informed by our Organizational Hierarchy of Needs©, a model developed by Okimaw to guide sustainable organizational growth. Like a ladder, each step must be built in sequence—starting with foundational elements like vision, governance, and capacity—before moving into more advanced areas such as recruitment, retention, and HR strategy. Missing foundational steps can weaken policy effectiveness, leading to confusion or resistance. By identifying and addressing these foundational needs first, we help build resilient HR systems that support policy implementation and long-term success.
Capacity Building Programs
In addition to developing full policy and governance frameworks, we also offer capacity-building programs to support knowledge transfer and empower Indigenous governments and organizations to draft and manage their own policies. This supports self-reliance and ensures policy development can continue as Nations grow, evolve, and assert greater control over their operations. At Okimaw, we don’t just write policies—we help build systems of governance that reflect Indigenous strength, sovereignty, and vision for the future.
OUR GOAL IS TO HELP FIRST NATIONS TAKE BACK CONTROL OVER GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION BY DEVELOPING POLICIES THAT WORK FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.
Our ancestors governed with wisdom, balance, and deep connection to the land—this program is about reclaiming that strength. Sovereignty isn’t just a political idea; it’s the key to rebuilding our nations in our own image. When we lead with our laws, our languages, and our values, we carve out a future that honours both tradition and innovation. This is how we break cycles and build something truly lasting for the next generations.
–LAUREN BRANT-WINKLER
Road to Sovereignty Facilitator, Okimaw
We’re Here When You Need Us
Join our membership program and gain trusted, responsive HR support built for Indigenous organizations. Contact us to get started—we’re only a call or email away.
